Ambiance is everything. This unique boutique hotel is warm and inviting any time of the year, surrounded by blue water, picturesque mountains, and glorious silence for tranquility in a spectacular location. Hotel Palafitte features 24 contemporary Lake Pavilions and 14 Shore Pavilions spanning sq ft with hardwood floors, spacious private terraces, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and Jacuzzis.
The Lake Pavilions offer majestic views of the lake and the Swiss Alps and a ladder down directly into the water. Each light-filled room also has an office corner and a gorgeous bathroom with a standalone bathtub and Molton Brown toiletries. The attentive, relaxed service here is equally alluring. The friendly staff can help arrange tours or water sports rentals, and the hotel provides beach towels in the rooms.
If you are in a shore pavilion, grab your towel and walk the small path that will take you down to the lake. You can also dine in Le Bar and in La Terrasse and adjourn to the smoking room, with its large selection of cigars. The terrific wine list includes several Swiss wines. La Terrasse — Choose from two terraces to eat, drink, and take in the views.
The restaurant terrace overlooks the lake, while the one at the water level is popular on hot days when you can dip your feet in the water while sipping a Swiss beer. Le Bar — Choose an armchair by the fireplace, or a stool at the bar, and linger over a glass of wine, an afternoon tea, or a hot chocolate in winter. There is a tempting selection of bar snacks, as well. Dive into the lake from your private terrace, or ask the hotel to organize water skiing on the lake, or a trip on a motorboat.
Try stand-up paddle boarding or fishing — the hotel staff will arrange it all for you. You can also explore the area on one of the complimentary bicycles. Further afield, you could try hiking or a tour of the local vineyards. The Swiss capital of Bern is a short drive away. Except: when you do your booking, make sure you book directly with the hotel and not get redirected involuntarily to some shady booking site.
